Obama touts Asia's role in US prosperity, security

BANGKOK -- President Barack Obama says it is "no accident" that he planned his first foreign trip to Asia after winning re-election.

Speaking at a news conference Sunday in Bangkok, Obama emphasized that the United States is a "Pacific nation." And he says the Asia-Pacific region will be crucial for creating jobs in the U.S. and shaping its security and prosperity.

Thailand is Obama's first stop on a three-day tour of Asia that will also take him to Myanmar and Cambodia.

Obama's praised Thailand for being a supporter of democracy in Myanmar, the once-pariah state that is rapidly reforming. He says he appreciated the Thai prime minister's insights into Myanmar during their meetings Sunday.